Wasps are now in the final countdown to this season’s Premiership opener against Sale at the Ricoh on Saturday.

Since boss Dai Young made the move from Cardiff Blues six years ago, the black-and-golds’ gradual ascent has seen them reach the play-offs in the last two seasons, losing to Exeter at Sandy Park in the 2016 semi-finals before again finding the same opponents marginally too good after extra time at Twickenham 12 weeks ago.

Young has had a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market, bringing in seven senior players to replace six who have departed to pastures new, but despite the loss of marquee signing Kurtley Beale, fans are understandably optimistic about their club’s prospects of going one better this time round.

In a series of articles, rugby writer Paul Smith looks ahead to what they can expect from the reshaped squad; today’s focus is on Wasps’ back row options.

Retained senior players:

James Haskell (aged 32)

Olly Woodburn of Exeter Chiefs is tackled by Joe Simpson and James Haskell during the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham

The British Lion, who is probably Wasps’ highest profile player thanks to his exploits with England and his long spell as club captain, finds himself in an unusual position ahead of the new season.

However, after missing more than half of last season, then not managing to recover the brilliant form of his 2015/16 campaign, the veteran back-rower needs to make an early mark.

Haskell faces plenty of competition for an international spot from Sale’s Currie brothers and Bath’s Sam Underhill, and things will be only slightly easier at club level, especially when Sam Jones recovers full fitness.

Sam Jones (aged 25)

Sam Jones takes the game to Leicester last season.

The flanker’s recovery from a truly hideous injury - a simultaneous break of his leg and ankle - will soon be into its second year.

Nonetheless, such is his popularity that when he does finally reappear, fans of English rugby, regardless of their club loyalties, will rejoice.

While not wanting to commit Jones to a target return date after so long out, Dai Young recently suggested he is six or eight weeks away from resuming action.

This puts Jones back in the mix around the time that Haskell, Nathan Hughes and Thomas Young could depart for the autumn internationals, which will be very welcome from a black-and-gold perspective.

Guy Thompson (aged 30)

Wasps' Guy Thompson is tackled by Toulouse’s Cyril Baille

A more important figure in Wasps’ back-row mix than it might at first appear, as he provides the balance when injuries or international calls strike.

Thompson is equally adept at No.8, where Young believes he is the best-fit replacement for Nathan Hughes, or at open side flanker where he played most of his rugby prior to joining Wasps.

The former Jersey man’s real strength is his ball carrying and speed, which means he is best combined with a close-range grafter in the style of Jones or Haskell, and a lineout operator.

Thomas Young (aged 25)

Thomas Young made his Wales debut on their recent summer tour (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

Seemingly on a rapid ascent to the sport’s international summit, Young junior is an open side flanker from the old school.

The newly-capped Welsh No.7 routinely tops Wasps’ tackling and assists statistics, and has genuine pace in open field.

When fit, he is a certain starter whose mobility is a huge asset - and essential component - in his club’s high-tempo, expansive approach.

Nathan Hughes of Wasps reacts during the Aviva Premiership Final against Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham.

The England squad No.8 , who looks very fit ahead of the new campaign, put in an excellent display in last week’s pre-season clash with Connacht.

The leaner, more mobile version of Hughes we saw last season now needs to advance his game again to challenge Billy Vunipola as Eddie Jones’ first choice.

This will of course be far from easy - as Hughes has put in some outstanding efforts in black-and-gold over the last two years - but his club boss will be rubbing his hands together in glee should the Fijian-born giant manage it.

Alex Rieder (aged 25)

Alex Rieder in A League action against Gloucester

Like centre Brendan Macken, the former Yorkshire Carnegie back-rower catches the eye every time he gets an opportunity in the Premiership or Europe.

However, such is the quality ahead of both men - Elliot Daly and Juan de Jongh in midfield, plus Hughes, Haskell and Jones at No.6 or No.8 - that both have the qualities ‘patience’ and ‘good watcher’ high in their profiles.

Like recent departees Tom Howe and Alapati Leuia, both would be regular starters at other Premiership clubs, and it must be heartening for Dai to know that he has such strength-in-depth available to him when injuries and international calls bite.

Jack Willis (aged 20)

Jack Willis of Wasps scoring their third try during the Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Worcester at The Ricoh Arena.

Although a couple of readers have picked me up on my recent eulogising about Willis - and I do accept that a couple of former England U20 forwards made big impressions in Argentina with the senior side in the summer - Wasps’ powerhouse blind side flanker is undoubtedly a star in the making.

Having torn it up on loan at Coventry last season, Willis has also since stolen the show when back in black in the A League, and again caught the eye in the pre-season game in Belfast two weeks ago.

With Haskell, Young and Jones out of the Sale opener, and the versatile Ashley Johnson likely to start at hooker, Willis could well feature at the Ricoh on Saturday.

Ashley Johnson (aged 31)

Ashley Johnson carries into contact against Zebre in Parma

The popular former Springbok seems certain to be seen mainly at hooker while Tommy Taylor recuperates from a knee reconstruction. However, it will be no surprise if he finishes a number of games on the blind side flank, where his powerful blasts with ball in hand and robust work in the contact area bring plenty.

Lock James Gaskell may also be seen in the No.6 shirt during the coming weeks, where he offers an additional useful lineout option.

Read More

Wasps watch: Selection options for Sale

New Signings:

Departures:

Read More

Academy:

Tom Willis - a familiar surname, and apparently a chip off the old block.

James Seabrook - newly signed to the academy and likely to play in National Two South for Broadstreet initially.

Wasps' Tom Willis in Anglo-Welsh Cup action (Image: Richard Lane)

Selection Considerations:

If (and that’s a big word in this context) Wasps ever have a full hand of fit and firing back-rowers to choose from, Dai Young and forwards coach Andy Titterrell will face an arduous task.

Young, Haskell and Hughes started last season’s Premiership final, but a fully-operational Jones might just become an irresistible force, while Thompson on occasions is simply sensational.

The flipside of this is that international calls for Haskell, Young and Hughes could well play a part in the autumn, and a couple of injuries at the wrong time would then leave the cupboard looking a little bare, not least since the Ashley Johnson safety net will not be as regularly available as it was last season until hooker Taylor is fit again.